Running for the Mandan Park Board

In June, the citizens of Mandan will be voting to fill three open seats on the Mandan Park Board. One individual who is looking to help fill that vacancy is Chad Hatzenbuhler.

Hatzenbuhler is a lifelong resident of Mandan, having graduated from the high school in 2003. Four years later, he started a marketing business, where he developed campaign materials for various companies throughout the state. Since then, Hatzenbuhler founded Gasoline Magazine, which is the first motorcycle magazine published in North Dakota. Through this publication, he started a fundraiser called “Hog Wild for a Cure,” that supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Wanting to give back to the community in which he grew up, Hatzenbuhler saw the opening in the park board as a great opportunity.

“I am running for the Mandan Park Board to give back to the community,” said Hatzenbuhler. “I also want to educate the public about the importance of the park district and how much of a part of their life it is.”

As he has been going door-to-door in order to collect the necessary signatures for his petition to get on the ballot, Hatzenbuhler has learned that many people in the community are unfamiliar with what the park district actually does. Part of his goal would be to change that by helping residents understand what the park board does for the city.

Plans
One of Hatzenbuhler’s first goals, if elected, would be to learn about all of the activities the park board offers, and see where his expertise would fit best.

“With everything that Mandan has available, this might take time,” said Hatzenbuhler. “I know everyone on the park board just wants to do what’s best for Mandan, and I look forward to learning from them.”

Hatzenbuhler plans on learning from more than just the other board members though. With an increasing amount growth that the city is experiencing, the voice of the citizen’s also plays a strong role.

“Working together, the park board and citizens can do great things for the community,” said Hatzenbuhler.

Growth
As the current growth that Mandan is experiencing is something that is relatively new, Hatzenbuhler says it is important that the park board continues to adapt and change with it.

“Planning for future generations is important to me,” said Hatzenbuhler. “If elected, I would ensure the park district would continue to provide actives for young families.”

It is this forward thinking that he believes will help the park board keep up with the changes the city is experiencing.

Hatzenbuhler looks at the past as well. Growing up in Mandan, there are many things the park board has already done that have been successful. The plan is not to reinvent the wheel, but to build upon it.

Looking at the larger picture, Hatzenbuhler also looks towards fostering the relationship between Mandan and Bismarck.

“I do not see the Bismarck Parks as a competition with Mandan Parks,” said Hatzenbuhler. “I see them as a partnership. We are one large community.”